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Sikeston High School awards 230 diplomas to class of 2024
SIKESTON — Approximately 230 Sikeston High School and New Horizons High School graduates received diplomas during the 123rd annual commencement exercises Monday, May 13 at the Sikeston Fieldhouse.
Members of SHS’ class of 2024 generated $4.2 million in scholarships, according to SHS College Adviser Taneshia Pulley.
“This class was self-driven and motivated, and we wish them the best in their future,” Pulley said.
Sixty percent of the graduates have been accepted into a four-year or two-year school. College choices include Tulane University, Boston University, University of Pennsylvania, Washington University in St. Louis, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Southeast Missouri State University and Three Rivers College.
Five graduates will join the military, including the Army, Navy and National Guard. Technical schools, welding institute, cosmetology school and apprenticeships are also part of the class’ career paths.
Leading the class in academics were Anna Purves as valedictorian and Jackson Lancaster as salutatorian.
Purves, who is the daughter of Rebecca Steward and Rob Purves, had a GPA of 4.47. She served as Red Pepper vice cayenne, student class president and Interact Club vice president and was active in girls tennis, National Honor Society, Key Club and Inspired Club.
Lancaster, whose GPA was 4.46, is the son of Jay and Camille Lancaster. During his high school career, Lancaster participated in wrestling, FBLA, FCA, DECA, Key Club, Bums, National Honor Society, Barker and Interact Club.
On Monday evening, Purves also presented the speakers for the ceremony.
Chloe Clinton read the senior poem, “Goodbye Forever” which she wrote.
“Today we say goodbye forever; 12 years of memories we’ll hold like treasure,” Clinton said. “We’ll abandon the familiar faces of our peers and teachers alike; while reminiscing about the place we claimed to dislike.”
Clinton noted the graduates “began their high school journey on Zoom and now they’re reaching full bloom.”
“We’re off to places far and wide, exploring the unknown,” she said. “... Friends become strangers, a sad but common thing; no more walking down the hallways for the bell to ring.
She continued: “Whether friend or foe, we’ll close our chapter together: ‘Goodbye childhood.’ I’ll cherish you forever.”
Selected speakers Purves and Elijah Pobst each gave their speeches.
In “This is 2024,” Purves recalled the end of their eighth grade year in 2020 when school turned online, first for two weeks and then the rest of the school year.
“Our first year of high school started off in masks,” Purves said of 2021. “No assemblies, no dances, not even lunch in the cafeteria. The entire dynamic was different. We socially distanced in the classroom, and kids got sent home, having to quarantine nearly a week.”
In 10th grade, they started to see some normalcy, she said.
“The school year began with masks, but we got our lunches and assemblies back,” Purves said. “We got homecoming. We got prom. This was our first real taste of a high school experience. We got most everything back to normal … This was 2022.”
Suddenly, Purves said, it was junior year.
At this point in my life, COVID felt like a faint memory; something that happened a long, long time ago. Junior year was pretty spectacular. The class of ‘24 started making impacts. … That was 2023.”
Then came senior year, Purves said.
“We are truly a spectacular class. Looking at every single graduate here, I know there is so much potential surrounding us,” Purves said.
As they graduate from high school, they end a chapter in their lives but they also flip the page, she said.
“When we leave tonight, we begin the next part of our lives — the part where we find ourselves and unlock our full potential ” Purves said. “...This is where it all begins. This is 2024.”
Pobst then addressed the crowd with her speech, “The Pages of Life.”
“Tonight, we end a big, beautiful chapter of our life,” Pobst said to her peers. “Tomorrow, we begin the next one. As you move through the pages of your life, I want you to remember this: There is so much this world has to give, if you just give yourself a chance.”
Pobst recited a list of some of the things she believes her classmates can do: sing your heart out; fill out job applications; go to the beach; sleep under the stars; make good choices; stay hydrated; be polite; keep your eyes on the road; be a nice person (especially to your brothers and sisters); do your chores; experience life; make your dreams come true.
“But here is the one thing you absolutely cannot do: give up on yourself,” Pobst said. “You are the only one stopping you, so get out of the way. Our time in high school has been filled with great memories but now it’s time to go show the world just how cool the Sikeston Bulldogs are.
She continued: “Be brave, chase your dreams and go make a beautiful life!”
High School Principal Dr. Doyle Noe, who was introduced by Amy Avaloy, announced honors and awards of graduates.
Superintendent Shannon Holifield, who was introduced by Christiana Staple, presented the class while Board of Education President Renee Grimes, who was introduced by Bailey Brown, handed out diplomas along with fellow board members. High School Academic Principal Katie Henry and New Horizons High School Principal Brian James also helped announce graduates as they received diplomas.